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A (not so) novel concept

Get this, I’m a runner. I run a lot and I am currently training to run the Marine Corps Marathon. SO, why not eat like a runner?!? Bananas, whole grains, nut butter, yogurt and granola, energy-packed deliciousness. These foods have been the trusted standards for runners for years and years, so why not follow the lead of great runners? Because I am stubborn and like to do things my way, even if it blows up in my face. I wanted to lean up a little, so I thought I would eat a high protein diet, and skimp on the carbs. I got really good at eating high-protein, but then my body started revolting against my intentions. I was still running 5+ miles a day and sometimes weight training as well. So, my willpower could keep me low-carb all day long, but then my body stepped in at night and demanded its carbs. This caused me to develop a messed up eating cycle that has been habit for me now for months (years?). Skimpy eats all day, raging carb fests all night!! And the eating cycle interferes with my sleep cycle, causing me to stay awake late into the night, and then wake up frequently throughout the night. Then, when I have to be up in the morning, I am barely functioning. If I do not have to be up, I am barely able to start my day until noon. Clearly, this is not a desirable lifestyle. It is hardly sustainable, and as such, it is not a way of living that I want to sustain.

Today is one of those days that I did not necessarily need to be up early, and so my day did not really start until after noon. This is NOT helping me study for the LSAT! Eeeks! However, I have managed to get some things done. I showered, read blogs, tidied up the kitchen, sorted some of my iTunes, and picked up some sugar, as well as some other goodies from the grocery store. Then, upon returning home, I decided to throw caution ot the wind, and try eating like a runner. Instead of making some protein rich, nonfat eggwhites, I mixed up a bowl of 2/3 c. high fiber cereal, some blueberries, and 1/3 c. greek yogurt. I also had 1/2 an Ezekiel English muffin with a scant T. almond butter. I also had a couple (4) cocoa roasted almonds. Can you say yummy runners fuel?!? Plus, I am perfectly satisfied and ready to run now. And that was maybe 350 calories. It is now 2:50pm, and I have had about 750 calories. I am trying to track my calories and work on shifting calories earlier in the day, cutting down on late night carb fests. ( I should have another 800 calories for the rest of the day, no more, no less. I get in trouble when I try to eat less, and it ALWAYS backfires! SO, here it is in writing, remember that and eat right, Amy!)

I am working on breaking down my current mindset, my eating pattern paradigm needs an overhaul. I ate hefty carbs during daylight hours — novel! Usually, I trick myself into thinking, I don’t need carbs, and I refuse the carbs until I really REALLY want and NEED them. Then, by that time, it is about 9pm, and it is too late. The carb monster takes over my appetite, and I begin consuming carbs and I do not stop until I fall asleep, sometimes in the carbs. Yes, that’s right. I have been known to fall asleep mid-nosh. Exhaustion sets in and while my carb demons could keep going for days, my body simply shuts down. Ugghhh. This is why I need a boyfriend — to monitor my behavior when alone at home. Forget all that love and life companion jazz. I just want someone to save me from myself! Oh, a girl can dream, and always keep an eye on the lookout. Currently, I’m on the lookout for a steamy hunk, an awesome new job, and a money tree. 😉

In an attempt to make the most of today, my to-do list:

Run – it’s beautiful outside!

LSAT study

Gym – I am getting squishy!

Dinner – shrimp stir fry? + apple, yogurt snack

turn in that job application!

Oh, in other news, I think it is hilarious that my parent’s house is now stocked with Amy-approved foods.

almond butter, spinach, tofu, hummus, feta, pink lady apples, bananas, blueberries, cabbage + sh*tload veggies, cottage cheese, ezekiel english muffins, fiber cereals and snack bars, oats, pbco PB, WW wraps, cocoa roast almonds, and more I am sure. A girl needs to eat! (and after stuffing myself silly with nutrient-empty junk food for my first few days home, I said enough is enough and went shopping.) Maybe I can teach the fam to like some healthy eats. Just maybe…